Dissolved Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissolved

[dษชหˆzษ”lvd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

chemical process

The term 'dissolved' refers to the process by which a solid, liquid, or gas becomes incorporated into a liquid to form a solution. This occurs when the soluteโ€™s particles are surrounded and separated by the solventโ€™s molecules. Dissolution is a physical change where the composition of the solute and solvent remains intact, even though they mix. The extent to which a substance dissolves can vary significantly based on factors like temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solute and solvent involved.

Synonyms

disintegrated, melted, solubilized.

Examples of usage

  • The sugar dissolved quickly in the hot tea.
  • Salt dissolves in water to form a saline solution.
  • When the tablet dissolved, the medicine was released.
  • The scientist observed how the metal dissolved in acid.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Dissolving is a physical change and doesn't create a new substance; the original material can often be recovered.
  • Temperature can affect how well a substance dissolves: warmer liquids usually dissolve solids more effectively than cold ones.
  • Solubility is specific to substances and depends on factors like pressure and pH; some solids dissolve well in water, while others do not.

Psychology

  • The concept of dissolving can relate to emotional states, like feeling overwhelmed or faded under pressure.
  • In psychology, sometimes feelings or thoughts can 'dissolve' as coping mechanisms help individuals manage stress or anxiety.

Literature

  • In poetry, the idea of dissolution often symbolizes change, loss, or transformation, reflecting the transient nature of life.
  • Authors use the concept of dissolving to express complex themes, such as the fragility of memories or relationships.

Environmental Science

  • Dissolution processes are crucial in nature, for instance, in erosion where minerals dissolve in water and shape landscapes.
  • Dissolved oxygen is vital for aquatic ecosystems; itโ€™s what fish and other marine life breathe, affecting biodiversity.

Origin of 'dissolved'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Latin 'dissolvere', meaning 'to loosen' or 'to dissolve'.
  • It combines the prefix 'dis-' (apart) and 'solvere' (to loosen), indicating something being broken down into smaller parts.

The word 'dissolved' is the past tense of the verb 'dissolve,' which originates from the Latin word 'dissolvere.' The Latin term is composed of 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'solvere' meaning 'to loosen or untie.' It entered the English language around the late 15th century, and initially, it was used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Over time, the term has become primarily associated with scientific and chemical processes, particularly in the fields of chemistry and biology where substances interact and form new solutions. The evolution of the usage reflects changes in language and understanding of matter and solutions through the ages, emphasizing the importance of dissolution in both daily life and scientific inquiry.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,763, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.